Paul Clayton Gurley, Jr.

With hearts filled with both sorrow and hope, we announce the passing of our beloved Paul Clayton Gurley, Jr., who went home to be with the Lord on April 1st, 2025. Paul is now in the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ, and we take comfort in the words of the Gospel, knowing that he is beholding the glory of the Lord in all its fullness.

Paul Clayton Gurley, Jr. was born on June 8th, 1942 in Charlotte, North Carolina to his parents, Paul Clayton Gurley, Sr. and Margaret Johnston Gurley, who preceded him in death, along with his sister, Margaret Gurley Jones. Though we grieve his absence, we are filled with joy knowing that he is reunited with those who went before him, and that he now rests in eternal peace, free from pain and suffering.

His legacy of kindness, faith, and devotion to his family will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him. Paul’s life was a testimony to the power of love, laughter, hard work, and generosity. Paul served in the United States Navy for five years during the Cold War, earning the rank of Lieutenant during his service. He worked as a Civil/Structural Engineer with Duke Power for 34 years, and was proud of the work he was able to accomplish with several major power projects. During his time as a student at Duke University, he became an avid fan of the Duke Basketball team. It reminded him of his days of supporting them from the band stands, which were some of his favorite memories to recall. As a charter member of Providence Presbyterian Church, he stood firm in the unshakable hope that we have in Christ. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. In those roles, he demonstrated his love for the Lord and for those who God had placed around him.

Paul is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Winifred Mangum Gurley; his loving children, Paul Geoffrey Gurley (wife, Elizabeth Boyd Gurley) and Laura Christine Gurley Callahan (husband, Patrick Callahan); and his cherished grandchildren, Clayton Geoffrey Gurley and Margaret Gurley Jones (husband, Peter Warren Jones).

Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we hold fast to the promise of the resurrection. We take comfort in knowing that Paul has heard the words we all long to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” His family is at peace, knowing that he is now looking into the eyes of Jesus, experiencing the joy and peace that only Heaven can provide.

A visitation will be held for Paul on Sunday, April 6, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1 Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville, SC 29609, with a celebration of life at 2:00 pm. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choosing in his honor.

We rejoice in the knowledge that Paul’s faith has brought him into the presence of our Lord, and we wait with hope for the day when we will all be reunited in Heaven.